Dear CPA Team/Friends and Partners,
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Community Partners in Action—our 150th anniversary. As we reflect on a century and a half of service, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and impact of our team, partners, and the individuals we serve – and the theme of this sesquicentennial year that unites us all, Inspiring Hope. While our organization has witnessed and experienced many changes and challenges in our nation, state, and the criminal justice system over its long history, our commitment to justice reform, rehabilitation, and community support remains stronger than ever, and we have much to look forward to in the months ahead.
Our recent 149th Annual Meeting in December 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together staff, supporters, and partners to celebrate our collective achievements over breakfast at the holiday decorated Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park. There were special moments as we said goodbye to two outgoing members of our Board of Directors, Michael Kearney and Michael Gambino, and welcomed new officers: Thomas O’Brien (Chair); Megan Wade (Vice Chair); Alexandra Castillo (Secretary), and Darek Chrzanowski (Treasurer). Elected to the 2024-25 Board are Brian Lee, Shardé McGee, and former longtime CPA employee, Virginia Lewis.
We were honored to have Thea Montañez, Senior Advisor to the Governor, deliver powerful remarks on the importance of our work, sharing deeply personal reflections on how our reentry programs helped a member of her family. Thea was also a driving force for the creation of the Hartford Reentry Welcome Center (HRWC), as she served former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin as Chief of Staff and as Chief Operating Officer (who was also in attendance).
At this event, we had the privilege of recognizing outstanding team members. Andrew May, driver for our Work Release Program, was honored for his dedication, and the Ann Koletsky Outstanding Performance Award was presented to 22 of our staff who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. We shared employee anniversary recognition with long-serving staff members, including Sonia Rodriguez, Manchester Alternative in the Community (MAIC), for 20 years, and Noely Sanchez Velez, ADMIN, on serving 25 years.
Additionally, the Gordon S. Bates Scholarship Award was presented by Prison Arts Program Manager Jeffrey Greene to five former and current participants who are each finding success: Jack Frederic Allen (HRWC); Eriberto De Leon (HRWC); Israel Rodriguez (MAIC); Luis Rodriguez (Work Release Program); and Justin Smith (Waterbury Reentry Welcome Center). We were honored to hear several of their stories and how they are now making a difference in the community and in the lives of others.
Lastly, it takes a team to pull off great things, and the 2024 Outstanding Program of the Year award was presented by Director of Operations Deb Rogala to the Waterbury Alternative in the Community and Waterbury Transitional Housing programs.
There is no doubt that our staff represent the best of social services in Connecticut. Wherever I go across the state, I hear from leaders in government, human services, and our multitude of partners, that the people who make up CPA set the benchmark in the professional services we provide. And for that I am incredibly grateful to each one of you.
Looking ahead, we are excited to bring Celebrate! Prison Arts to the State Capitol this summer, showcasing the transformative power of art in justice reform (a date will be announced soon). This fall, we will gather for our Spooktacular Brunch, and our Annual Meeting in December will provide another opportunity to reflect on our progress and set our sights on the future.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of our anniversary year will be our Gala Celebration on September 18 at The Society Room in Hartford. This promises to be an unforgettable evening, featuring performances by Javier Colon, winner of the first season of The Voice, and singer Latanya Farrell and her band. In addition, we will debut a short documentary highlighting CPA’s work, capturing the profound impact of our mission over the years.
I am also proud to share that our Community Court RFP grant application was successfully awarded by the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division. We are awaiting notification regarding funding for our Alternative in the Community (Hartford, Manchester, and Waterbury), Transitional Housing, and Work Release programs, which remain vital to our mission of supporting individuals on their journey to reentry and success.
While there has been much discussion at the national level about potential funding cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, I want to make it clear that CPA will never waver in our commitment to BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). Our work is rooted in supporting individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or beliefs. We remain steadfast in our mission to create a more just and inclusive society, and this commitment will always be at the heart of what we do.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your passion and commitment make all the difference, and I look forward to celebrating our past, present, and future together throughout this landmark year.
With gratitude,
Beth Hines
Executive Director
Community Partners in Action